Lab Design

Science labs are a crucial part of secondary science learning. Most practical activities at this level require the availability of specialist resources and services.

The learning environment can have a great impact on teaching and learning, yet the design of science spaces in schools and colleges is often overlooked in the planning stages. Resources shown here will help develop the thinking of science leaders, advisers, architects, designers and SLT around science accommodation in schools, whether for a new science suite or the refurbishment of a single lab or prep room. Design should be considered carefully at the outset as poor design will impact on generations of pupils, teachers and technicians.

Design Initiatives

Laboratory 21 reports on design concepts to modernise learning environments by analysing forms of teaching, end users' needs and design inspiration. It was compiled in Northern Ireland by science advisers and designers working together. School Science Laboratories Design for the 21st Century (2006)

Lab Design Gallery

Our gallery shows a wide range of designs that can be used to explore ideas for new or refurbished accommodation.

Thanks to contributors who have shared their images and designs.

Science spaces within the whole school environment

The Education Funding Agency, part of the Department for Education, publishes designs for whole schools called 'Baseline Designs'. These are a standardised set of drawings and specifications for primary and secondary schools that aim to be cost effective and use space efficiently. Find Baseline Designs.

Department for Education (DfE) Building Bulletins

Schools Premises Regulations and associated guidance have been reduced in recent years, with many sections likely to refer to design being merely ‘suitable’. The following guidance can show what ‘suitable' might mean:

G9 Fume Cupboards in Schools (revised by CLEAPSS 2014)BB93 Acoustic Design of Schools Performance Standards. Please also see Acoustics of Schools: a design guideBB98 Briefing Framework for Secondary School ProjectsBB100 Design for Fire Safety in SchoolsBB101 Ventilation of School BuildingsBB102 Designing for Children with SENBB103 Area Guidelines for Mainstream SchoolsBB80 Science Accommodation in Secondary Schools

Special Guidance

Health and Safety is a consideration in any lab design, but the driving force should be teaching and learning outcomes. Laboratory Design for Health and Safety is an article from the ASE book, Topics in Safety, that offers advice whether you are designing a new lab or refurbishing accommodation. Ensuring health and safety is incorporated at the design stage can mitigate against costly mistakes that need to be rectified.